If you want to commission a portrait painting, there are many artists today who are doing this kind of work. Going online and searching for such an artist brings up numerous results. It is therefore vitally important to know what to look for in an artist and what to expect when commissioning such a work.
One of the ways to see what an artist is capable of is to examine a portfolio of completed work. This gives an indication of style and shows what medium is worked in too, whether oils, pastels, watercolors or even pen and ink. You will instinctively be drawn to a particular medium and style that accords with your own tastes.
In past centuries, the individual having his or her likeness painted was required to sit for hours. Now the process can be simplified with the use of photographs. All artists have different methods and some prefer to work from a single, detailed photographic sitting. Others like to work from real life, producing quick sketches and studies and several sessions of this nature might be required. Yet others use a combination of photographs and real life sketches.
The size of the artwork and the way the individual is posed needs to be discussed. Not many individuals request full length portraits anymore, as these are often overbearing in smaller rooms. A head and shoulders version is often preferred, with some including arms and hands. A small one of a head only can make a great gift that is not too expensive.
The choice of background can influence the price. It is possible to select a simple, abstract one which is not as difficult to paint as a complex one and so reduce the price. Of course, you may want a scene that relates to the sitter in some way and this will obviously cost more. The clothing selected for the sitter can also influence the price. For example, someone wearing an elaborate gown would take longer to paint than someone in a simple dress.
Once all the details have been agreed upon, a contract has to be drawn up. The contract should clearly lay out all the details, including what has to be paid and when. This should be signed by both parties. Many artists request part payment to confirm the deal and this amount can vary from artist to artist.
A preliminary sketch is usually prepared for the client. This should give a good idea of what to expect from the final artwork. At this stage, it is possible for minor changes to be made. The client often pays a certain amount for this sketch and is allowed to keep it. Only then does the artist commence with the actual artwork.
People are often unaware of the price of portraits, thinking that they are very expensive. This is true of some but not of all of them. Price depends upon factors like size, background, medium used, clothing worn and many other details. A small painting of the head of the individual against a simple background is not that expensive and it makes a wonderful gift for someone you care for that can be passed down through generations.
One of the ways to see what an artist is capable of is to examine a portfolio of completed work. This gives an indication of style and shows what medium is worked in too, whether oils, pastels, watercolors or even pen and ink. You will instinctively be drawn to a particular medium and style that accords with your own tastes.
In past centuries, the individual having his or her likeness painted was required to sit for hours. Now the process can be simplified with the use of photographs. All artists have different methods and some prefer to work from a single, detailed photographic sitting. Others like to work from real life, producing quick sketches and studies and several sessions of this nature might be required. Yet others use a combination of photographs and real life sketches.
The size of the artwork and the way the individual is posed needs to be discussed. Not many individuals request full length portraits anymore, as these are often overbearing in smaller rooms. A head and shoulders version is often preferred, with some including arms and hands. A small one of a head only can make a great gift that is not too expensive.
The choice of background can influence the price. It is possible to select a simple, abstract one which is not as difficult to paint as a complex one and so reduce the price. Of course, you may want a scene that relates to the sitter in some way and this will obviously cost more. The clothing selected for the sitter can also influence the price. For example, someone wearing an elaborate gown would take longer to paint than someone in a simple dress.
Once all the details have been agreed upon, a contract has to be drawn up. The contract should clearly lay out all the details, including what has to be paid and when. This should be signed by both parties. Many artists request part payment to confirm the deal and this amount can vary from artist to artist.
A preliminary sketch is usually prepared for the client. This should give a good idea of what to expect from the final artwork. At this stage, it is possible for minor changes to be made. The client often pays a certain amount for this sketch and is allowed to keep it. Only then does the artist commence with the actual artwork.
People are often unaware of the price of portraits, thinking that they are very expensive. This is true of some but not of all of them. Price depends upon factors like size, background, medium used, clothing worn and many other details. A small painting of the head of the individual against a simple background is not that expensive and it makes a wonderful gift for someone you care for that can be passed down through generations.
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